by Dietmar Wehr
“As best we can tell, the ship took a laser hit. The hull armor mitigated most of the energy but enough got through to cause a power surge in some of the equipment which I happened to be standing next to, Sir. How did we make out?”
“Only two other frigates took any significant damage but they’re still operational. The enemy lost five ships outright and the sixth might be damaged to some degree too but it managed to bug out. We lost the 339 though. By concentrating exclusively on her, the enemy gave us time to inflict serious damage on them and that shifted the odds decisively in our favor.”
“Then congratulations are in order, Sir. You’ve achieved a tactical victory. Can I ask how you came up with the idea of using 339 as bait to lure the enemy here, Sir?” Shiloh hesitated. After all this time, he dearly wanted to tell someone about his visions but he had this nagging feeling that now was not the best time.
“Well let’s just say that I had a flash of inspiration.” Before Chenko could say anything else, he continued. “Are you up to finishing your shift on the Bridge?”
“Yes, Sir. The medics told me the anesthetic would last that long. After that I’ll be too dopey from the painkillers I’ll have to take.” Shiloh nodded and smiled.
“Fine. Let’s get back to the Bridge then. I’ll stay on as Squadron Leader until your shift ends and then I’ll take the Con for the next four hours.” When they got back to the Bridge, Shiloh ordered two message drones sent to Tango Delta 8 and 9, informing the squadrons there of the battle and outcome. He then called the COs of frigates 299 and 301.
“Felicia, Marcus. Your ships have taken the most serious damage and crew casualties. So I’m going to detach both your ships from the Squadron, with orders to return to Bradley with my After Action report and you can let Korolev know that the rest of us will stay in this system while we await further orders.” Both frigate COs acknowledged the order and soon were on their way back to Bradley Base. With plenty of fuel to spare, both ships accelerated to a very high rate of speed before entering jumpspace and arrived back in the Base star system in less than twelve hours.
It was almost 36 hours later when a message drone arrived with orders for the 144th squadron to return to Bradley Base. By this time, Shiloh had ordered his ships to collect as much of the alien wreckage as they could. Some pieces were too large to fit into the cargo hold of a frigate and those were tagged with locator beacons for future retrieval. None of the smaller pieces held bodies or parts of bodies, much to Shiloh’s relief. If they had, he would have seriously considered leaving them behind as well rather than risk contamination with alien viruses or bacteria. His ships did however find some of the larger pieces of wreckage of the 339 that DID contain bodies. Those were recovered and brought back to the Base. It reminded Shiloh of all the dead Space Force crews lost in the original battle and at Zebra 9, who were probably floating in the depths of space now and would be for all eternity.
When the Squadron arrived back at the Base, Shiloh met with Sen. Cmdr. Korolev, the Base Commander. As Shiloh entered the Base Commander’s office, she got up and walked around her desk to offer her hand along with congratulations.
“Welcome back, Commander and congratulations on an outstanding victory!” Shiloh shook her hand and said.
“Thank you, Sir. I just wish that Cmdr. Caru and his people could be here to share in the victory.” Korolev nodded solemnly and said.
“Yes indeed. Their bravery and sacrifice will be recognized and remembered. Too damn many of us have met the same fate! But at least we’re starting to give as good as we get!”
“Yes, Sir.” Korolev gestured to the comfortable chair opposite her desk.
“Have a seat, Commander. Let’s talk.” Shiloh sat down and waited. When Korolev had settled back in her own chair, she said.
“In case you hadn’t heard, the 55th and 77th did not find any sign of enemy activity. I’ve ordered them back here too. Since the 144th was about due to rotate back to Sol when we got the picket alert, your squadron will be released from sentry duties here in a day or so. You may as well take back the alien debris with you. We don’t really have the appropriate facilities to analyze them here. I’m also going to ask you to take back the bodies of our fallen comrades-in-arms as well.”
“Of course, Sir.”
“Good. Now I’ve read your After Action report but I want to hear what happened from you in your own words. Go ahead.” Shiloh took a deep breath.
“Well, Sir, there’s really not that much to tell that wasn’t in my report. We arrived at Tango Delta 6, made contact with the 339. When her recon drones detected enemy activity I got the idea of using their jump emergence technology against them and ordered 339 to micro-jump to our position. She did so and the enemy followed a few minutes later. We were ready for them and by concentrating our fire on just three of their ships, we took them out before they could fire back and from that point on, our numerical superiority overwhelmed them. Unfortunately, the 339 was closer to them than we were so they concentrated their fire on her. I would have been happier if we’d gotten them all but as you know, one got away.” Korolev frowned.
“Yes….that was unfortunate but I don’t see how you could have prevented it. It means that they’ll know that moving in the direction of Tango Delta 6 will bring them closer to us but that’s just something we’ll have to live with. They were bound to find out that same information sooner or later. I’ll be VERY glad when the new combat frigates start showing up here in substantial numbers. Then maybe we can actually push them back into their territory for a change.”
“Yes, Sir!”
“You may also be interested to know that the R&D boys are finally getting somewhere with detection of ships emerging from jumpspace. They’ve figured out how, now they just have to figure out how to do it accurately enough to be of some tactical use to us. I heard that you had some considerable input to the recommendations from the Strategic Planning Group. Was the Autonomous Fighting Platform one of your ideas, Commander?”
“Well Sir, you know how it is with brainstorming sessions. The ideas get thrown around back and forth so fast that it’s hard to keep track of who come up with what idea so I really can’t say.”
“Hm. Well whomever come up with it first had a great idea. I hear that the AFP and gunboat projects have been combined. The result is going to be a larger vehicle of about 5500 metric tonnes, that can be configured as either an unmanned unit under AI control or as a manned vehicle using interchangeable modules. The thinking seems to be that the unmanned version can be deployed for long periods of time, while the manned versions will be retained for operations that are shorter in duration and require flexibility in strategic and tactical thinking. In some circumstances, both kinds of units may operate together. In terms of long term defense of this base, that’s what seems to be coming down the pike. Squadrons of unmanned units will be on permanent patrol while manned squadrons will be on standby alert status for quick deployment as needed. When we get to that point, this base will have more protection with less strain on our ability to support them logistically. Personally I can’t wait.”
Chapter 11 - The Better Part of Valor
SFE144 was ordered back to Sol. On its way inward after emerging from Jumpspace, Shiloh noticed how much more industrial and shipbuilding infrastructure there was now since the last time the 144th was in Sol system. Dozens of combat frigates and other ships were under construction. Orbital traffic around Earth and the Moon were both noticeably higher. With the squadron’s frigates installed in parking orbits around the Moon, the crews were ferried down to the Moon’s naval base and then transferred via shuttle to Earth. By the time the shuttle landed and Shiloh stepped out onto the spaceport tarmac, it was night. The tarmac was still wet from the rain that had ended only minutes before. Shiloh took a deep breath and savored the fresh smell of clean, moist air. This last tour of duty had been the longest of his entire military career. With a guaranteed stand down for the Squadron of at least four weeks, Shiloh
was looking forward to some serious R&R but first things first. The usual debriefing as well as memorial ceremonies for Cmdr. Caru and his crew. So with a sigh of resignation, Shiloh followed the robotic luggage caddy that carried his and his officers’ luggage to the Space Force bus that would take them to temporary quarters where they would get some sleep before the debriefings that were now only 7 hours away.
The debriefings were routine except for the fact that several very senior officers, including Admiral Howard himself, were in the room as observers. A larger screen on the wall showed the recorded tactical data from the battle while Shiloh narrated the battle’s progress, followed by a question and answer session involving all of his squadron’s Commanding Officers. Shiloh expected to be called to Howard’s office after the debriefing but that didn’t happen. With the debriefing out of the way, Shiloh and the other officers made their way back to their quarters and gathered in the Officers Club for dinner, drinks and some games of pool and darts. Shiloh was just about to doze off with a beer in his hand, while sitting in a comfortable chair by the roaring fireplace when Chenko sat down in the chair next to him and nudged him on the arm.
“What’s up, XO?”
“I just wanted to share with you a rumor that I heard from one of our debriefing officers during the afternoon break, Sir.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. It seems that the scuttlebutt has it that all squadron CO’s are to be awarded the Outstanding Combat Medal and that 339’s crew will be awarded a unit citation.” Shiloh paused to consider that and then said.
“That’s very interesting, XO. Caru and his people definitely deserve the citation. I’m not sure I see the justification for awarding the OCM. It was an ambush after all. The enemy really didn’t stand a chance so it’s not like we persevered in spite of overwhelming odds or anything like that.” Chenko nodded, hesitated for a second or two, and then said.
“I also heard that you’re going to be given the Sentinel, Sir.” Shiloh was wide awake now. He was about to reply when the room disappeared and he was in Admiral Howard’s office. He barely had time to realize that he was having another vision when a clearly older Howard said.
“When you turned down command of the Sentinel, I thought you had lost your nerve. However with the benefit of hindsight, I now realize that you made the right decision. I shudder to think of where we’d be today if you hadn’t stuck to your guns when I tried to pressure you to accept that command.” The vision faded and Shiloh found himself looking at Chenko, who said.
“Are you okay, Commander?” Shiloh tried to laugh it off and said.
“Yes, of course, XO. Why do you ask?”
“Well…you seemed to be staring off into space for a few seconds there.” Shiloh thought fast.
“Ya…sorry about that. I guess I’m kind’a tired.” Chenko nodded.
“It’s been a long day, Sir.”
“Yes it has, XO. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Sir.” Shiloh got up and walked to his quarters pondering the meaning of this latest vision. The next morning, he received word that he and his people were free to start their rest leave. After saying the usual goodbyes, all the officers and crew went their own ways to their homes or various other destinations. Within 24 hours Shiloh was sunning himself on a white beach looking forward to some scuba diving later that day.
Two weeks later, he received a message to report back to Space Force HQ for reassignment. After checking his things in to his temporary quarters, he arrived at Admiral Howard’s office as ordered. After exchanging salutes, Howard gestured for Shiloh to sit down in the comfortable chair facing his desk. While they chitchatted about Shiloh’s leave, Shiloh accepted the offered cigar and lit it. When both men had taken a good puff of their respective cigars, Howard got to the point.
“It’s unfortunate that I had to call you back in when your leave was only half over. If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one who’s been called back early. In your case, I wanted you back here now because we’ve waited as long as we can to name a CO for the first of the new combat frigates, that’s soon going to be ready for its shakedown cruise. That ship is the Sentinel and she’s yours if you want her. As CO of the Sentinel, you’ll also be Squadron Leader of a new squadron what will be fleshed out with upgraded exploration frigates for now but only until they can be replaced with other combat frigates that will be sliding out of the shipyards at a rate of about two a month before too much longer. That new squadron will be where we will assign all of our most capable and aggressive officers and I guarantee you that promotion will be fast. You’ll be a Senior Commander before you know it. Well…what do you say?” Shiloh hesitated. He realized that he was sweating and breathing faster than normal. If he hadn’t had that vision, he would have said yes right away, but after having three visions pan out perfectly, he felt he should heed this one too. He took a deep breath and said.
“If you’re giving me a choice, then I’m going to respectfully decline the offer, Sir.” Howard was clearly surprised and then just as clearly annoyed.
“You can’t possibly be serious, Shiloh! I know officers who would literally give their right arms for this command. Why don’t you want it?” Shiloh sighed.
“Personal reasons that I’d prefer not to elaborate on, Sir.” Howard said nothing for a few seconds and then replied.
“Are you absolutely certain about this? You do realize I hope that this will generate a hell of a dark cloud over your career for years to come!” Shiloh nodded.
“Yes, Sir. I’m aware of the repercussions and yes I am certain that I do not want this command, Sir.” Howard shook his head as he took another puff from his cigar.
“I don’t understand this, Commander. You’ve always struck me as someone who’s cool under fire and not afraid of a fight. Did something happen at Tango Delta 6 that’s making you gun-shy?” Shiloh replied without hesitating.
“No, Sir.”
“Well then what is it that has you spooked about this command? I insist that you tell me!” Shiloh wondered for the nth time if he should tell the Admiral about his visions. If that was the right thing to do, why didn’t he hear Howard mention it in his vision? Keeping the secret to himself had seemed to work so far and he decided to stay the course but he had to tell Howard something. After some more thought he said.
“Well, Sir…the thing is this. I don’t think I’m as good a combat strategist as you and the other senior officers of the Space Force think I am. My past success has in my opinion been due to a combination of luck and gut hunches which is not something that I would want the fate of Humanity to hinge on if I was eventually to be in command during a key battle that decides the outcome of this war.” Howard’s response was immediate and unexpected.
“Bullshit!” He paused then blurted out. “I think you’ve lost your nerve!” Shiloh said nothing. He tried to remain calm but his stomach was tied up in knots. Howard took his cigar and stubbed it out, then leaned back in his chair.
“I’m tempted to order you to take that command but if in fact you really have lost your nerve, then that’s the last place you should be!” He paused again. “Alright! I’ll find someone else to take command of the Sentinel. You’re dismissed. As far as the rest of your leave is concerned, that’s over. Stay close to your quarters so that we’ll know where to reach you when we’ve decided what to do with you. By the way, you were going to be awarded the Combat Medal but I’ve just decided to rescind that award! Now get out of my sight!” Shiloh jumped to attention, saluted and left the office quickly. The ride back to his quarters aboard the Space Force shuttle bus seemed to take forever. Shiloh wondered if he had done the right thing. His head said yes but it didn’t feel right. When he got back to his quarters, he stayed in his room for the rest of the day. After a night of fitful sleep, he felt better after a shower and headed down to the Officers Mess for breakfast. While he was eating, a steward brought an envelope to him, that had been delivered by courier. It was from HQ. He opened it and i
t said.
“From: Admiral Dietrich, Chief of Personnel To: Commander Victor Shiloh. As of 0800 hours today you are relieved of the post of Squadron Leader of SFE 144. You are also notified that you are relieved of command of FE 344. You are ordered to report to the Alpha Weapons Development and Test Base as soon as transportation can be arranged”. The loss of his ship was like a blow to the gut. He started feeling a slight queasiness in his stomach and he wondered if he was going to throw up. After another minute or so he decided that he wasn’t and looked at the message again. He had never heard of the Alpha Weapons Development and Test Base nor did he know where it was or how to get there but that wasn’t an insurmountable problem. One call to Space Force Transport Command should clear up the mystery. What they couldn’t tell him was what he’d be doing once he got there. He wasn’t able to finish his breakfast so he went to his room, called the SFTC and soon found out that the AWDT base was a newly established station in the Epsilon Eridani star system. The next transport ship scheduled to head that way left orbit in 36 hours. Shiloh made arrangements to be on the last shuttle carrying cargo and passengers to the transport ship.
